Recreational Activities İn Public Spaces: Impacts On Social Life And Community Health

Abstract

This article comprehensively examines the impacts of recreational activities conducted in public spaces (e.g., parks, recreational areas, squares, waterfronts, and promenades) on individuals’ health and well-being as well as on the social cohesion of communities. The study is based on a systematic review approach, drawing on national and international research in the current literature. The review process is structured under four main dimensions: physical health (participation in regular physical activity, reduction of obesity and chronic disease risks, improvement of cardiovascular health indicators), mental health (reduction in stress levels, alleviation of depression and anxiety symptoms, strengthening of psychological well-being), social health (social integration, sense of belonging, strengthening of social bonds, and formation of social capital), and environmental/urban processes (equitable distribution of public spaces, accessibility, sustainability, and micro-climate effects).

The findings reveal that regularly utilized public spaces not only promote greater mobility in individuals’ daily lives but also enhance psychological resilience and strengthen social interactions. Furthermore, access to parks and green areas appears to hold potential for reducing health inequalities among different socio-economic groups living in urban settings (Twohig-Bennett & Jones, 2018).

In conclusion, the multidimensional benefits of recreational activities in public spaces play a critical role both in improving individual health indicators and in reinforcing social solidarity and community cohesion. In this context, the planning, management, and functionality of public spaces should be considered a strategic priority in public health policies.